Integrated Writer Services, LLC

Permissions acquisition is an essential component of writing and publishing that is often either underemphasized or altogether ignored. The bottom line is that you, as the author, are responsible for obtaining permissions for items that appear in your text. This is true whether you are self-published or have a publisher.

Ignorance is no excuse

In most cases, a lack of knowledge regarding the source of copyrighted material does not relieve anyone, legally or ethically, of the obligation to acquire permission. It not only is a professional courtesy, it also is an enforceable legal obligation with potential financial and professional consequences.

Our Expertise

IWS has the expertise to know in most cases when, where, and how to find the correct source. After locating the source and determining who owns the copyright, IWS will work on behalf of the writer to obtain the appropriate kinds of permissions to match the writer's intended book productions and distribution. Rights to use copyrighted materials always have conditions, and they often have fees for their use.

Joyce Miller, the founder of IWS, is the primary Permissions Editor. Joyce is a former intellectual property specialist and copyright manager with paralegal training. She received a wealth of experience working on NASA and other government-funded multimedia projects.

Manuscript Review

IWS will review manuscripts for copyright issues. The review fee varies with manuscript length, the content, the complexity of works cited and/or used, information known about the outside works, and other variables.

Cost Estimate

After determining which copyrighted items require permission, we will provide an estimate of our fee to identify the copyright owner(s), to help you negotiate owner's permissions fees, and to secure permission to use the copyrighted materials.

Bundled Services

We offer packages that include manuscript review, editing, permissions acquisition, and publishing consultation services.

Permissions Acquisition

Text
Owners of published or unpublished text typically want the see the context in which a quote is going to be used before granting permission.

Interviews
Obtain permission from persons interviewed by the author if any of the information gained is used in the work.

Personal correspondence
The creator of any type of correspondence is usually the copyright owner, not the recipient.

Song lyrics
Song lyrics usually require a license to reprint. Identifying owners can be challenging; getting permissions may take months.

Recorded performances
Use of recorded performances may involve rights of writers, publishers, recording studios, and performers.

Photographs, works of art
Photographs, including photographs of works of art, require permission or license to reprint.

Cartoons, clipart, illustrations
Licenses for cartoons, clipart, and illustrations contain guidelines and limitations on use.

Web pages
Web pages are copyright protected, and use of its content may require permission from the owner.